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Letter: World should embrace Pope Francis’ message

Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si,” gives me hope that enough people may finally wake up to the fact that radical changes are due if we are to turn back the growing tide of devastation to our habitat and its marvels of creation. Francis’ broad grasp of the interrelated challenges we face is truly impressive. In stressing major causes and effects of our environmental and humanitarian crises the world over, Francis cites both the moral imperative and the urgency of halting the human activity fueling these crises that disproportionately impact the world’s poor.

The encyclical boldly spells out what is needed to get off our collision course and make possible a better world for all of creation. It’s clear that, primarily, collective action is needed. Regardless of our differences, we need to reflect on the encyclical; support each other in making the hard moral choices and changes that conversion necessitates; and come to relate to our global human family and the rest of creation in a mutually enhancing way.

Locally, a growing number of people representing many faiths have joined together to study the encyclical and respond with all due urgency. I encourage everyone to do so. By adopting more contemplative lifestyles, study, valuing diversity and building communities of prayer and action, we can create a more beautiful world for our children, grandchildren and future generations.

Let’s celebrate the pope’s courageous and inspired moral leadership, while accessing resources from faith communities and environmental groups to help move us into a sustainable future.